SFlarida WimpsChocolateChip

American Quarter Horse Remains Official Breed of Kentucky Reining Cup

SFlarida WimpsChocolateChip2012 Kentucky Reining Cup Champions Wimps Chocolate Chip and Shawn FlaridaEquestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is proud to welcome the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) back as a sponsor of the Kentucky Reining Cup, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., April 26-27, alongside the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. For the third consecutive year, the American Quarter Horse is the “Official Breed of the Kentucky Reining Cup.”

“Reining is a tremendous crowd favorite and has proven to be an extremely popular addition to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event weekend,” EEI President Darren Ripley said. “The American Quarter Horse is synonymous with Reining and we are privileged to welcome back the American Quarter Horse Association as one of the premier sponsors of the Kentucky Reining Cup.”

The Kentucky Reining Cup features an international Three Star Reining competition and the incredibly popular World Freestyle Championship. Action begins on Friday night, April 26 with the CRI3* with riders guiding their horses through prescribed turns, sliding stops and flying lead changes.

On Saturday evening, April 27, riders will seek the title of World Freestyle Champion as they entertain spectators with choreographed musical performances that have electrified the Alltech Arena crowds during the Championships’ first two years.

“AQHA is thrilled to once again be a part of this event,” AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. said. “As a leading western performance event, Reining is a great showcase of the tremendous athleticism and versatility of our breed.”

Advance tickets for the Kentucky Reining Cup are $12 per person for Friday’s CRI3* and $20 per person for Saturday’s World Freestyle Championship. Hospitality options include the opportunity to purchase the use of luxury suites in the Alltech Arena for both nights of competition.

The Kentucky Reining Cup’s competition is managed by HorsePower, Inc., Reining’s leading event production firm. Based in San Francisco, California, HorsePower, Inc. is led by veteran FEI Reining show manager, Brad Ettleman, who also served as director for the 2010 FEI Reining World Championships at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

More information on the 2013 Kentucky Reining Cup is available at KentuckyReining.com.